Celebs Make Meatless Monday a Family Affair

March 7th, 2011

From famous chefs to eco advocates, many celebrities are practicing what they preach by adding their own families to the Meatless Monday movement. By taking Meatless Monday home, celebrities show their commitment to the cause while helping their families stay healthy.

You can find a Meatless Monday meal by Mario Batali in any one of his 14 restaurants across the U.S. Weekly meatless entrees by the celebrity chef can also be found at his family dinner table. According to his official twitter, the Batali household enjoys such Meatless Monday meals as Pasta e Fagioli with Leeks & Flageolets and Braised Cipolline with Fonduta. Batali encourages his followers to go Meatless Monday at home as well, suggesting they try his recipe for Carciofi Alla Rromana.

Businesswoman Wendi Murdoch was inspired by author and friend Kathy Freston to try Meatless Mondays in her household. Wendi noted at a recent dinner party that the “American dream” of “eating meat every day” is not a sustainable or healthy goal. Now she and her husband – News Corporation Chairman and CEO husband Rupert Murdoch- use Monday to refocus on health (with the help of delicious, plant-based meals).

Long-time food activist Michael Pollan was one of the first celebrities to take Meatless Monday home. When Oprah asked him for easy tips on sustainable eating, Pollan’s first suggestion was to have a Meatless Monday “which is what we do in our household.” He encouraged millions of viewers to follow his family’s lead for their health as well when he made another appearance on Oprah earlier this year.

Eco-activist and author Laurie David is trying to bring families back to the table. Her book The Family Dinner includes advice and recipes that she has used at her own dinner table, including a full chapter on Meatless Monday. David uses Meatless Monday because its an easy way to start a conversation with kids about diet and its impact on personal and planetary health. Laurie David also shares Meatless Monday family dinner ideas on her website.